the headliner tonight is first lady michelle obama. nicole collins has a preview for us. >> reporter: good morning. the first lady was here yesterday for a dry run on that stage behind me. first lady michelle obama preparing for her second convention speech where, instead of trying to convince meshes of her husband's character like in 2008, she will probably be defending his record. the first lady slated to headline the dnc's opening night aims to energize democrats and turn out grassroots supporters in a state struggling with high unemployment. convention goers spent monday staking in the music at carolinafest as president obama got a look at hurricane isaac damage in louisiana and campaigned in ohio. >> when governor romney had his chance to let you in on the secret sauce of job creation, he did not offer you a single new idea. >> reporter: vice presidential nominee paul ryan also in north carolina monday. >> every president since the great depression who asked americans to send them into a second term could say that you are better o